The Australian Open 2026 is already serving up thrilling matchups, and the opening rounds are packed with excitement! But here's a clash that has the tennis world buzzing: Coco Gauff, the rising American star, takes on Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova in a highly anticipated showdown.
When and Where to Catch the Action:
Mark your calendars for a Sunday night thriller! The Gauff vs Rakhimova match is set for January 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET (or 00:30 a.m. UTC on the 19th). Tennis enthusiasts can tune in to ESPN or ESPN2, the primary broadcasters for the Australian Open, to witness this first-round encounter. And for those who prefer streaming, the ESPN App and ESPN+ have you covered on various devices.
Why This Match Matters:
This isn't just any first-round match. Coco Gauff, a formidable presence in women's tennis, is expected to make a deep run in the tournament. A victory against Rakhimova would be a powerful statement, setting the stage for Gauff's potential ascent to the top. But Rakhimova won't go down without a fight, making this an intriguing contest.
And this is the part most people miss: this match could be a potential turning point in Gauff's career. A win here could propel her further into the spotlight, while a loss might create an unexpected twist in the tournament's narrative.
So, will Gauff dominate and fulfill her potential, or will Rakhimova pull off an upset? Tune in to find out! And don't forget to share your predictions in the comments. Who do you think will advance, and why? Let's get the conversation started!
